Vocational Specialist

BRIDGEWAY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES•Union, NJ

5d•$48,000 - $54,000

About The Position

As a Vocational Specialist you will join an evidence-based program and a dynamic team for the opportunity to learn and refine your clinical and engagement skills and accomplish your dream of helping people to make progress on their unique recovery journeys. The work is sometimes challenging and always rewarding by engaging with persons we serve and co-workers as we all learn, grow, and thrive. As part of a multi-disciplinary, core services team, provides assessment and direct service to individuals with serious and persistent mental illness enrolled in the PACT Program. Assesses individuals’ education and work history, and develops plans and interventions in conjunction with the individual and the team in the area of employment/career services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s in a behavioral science from an accredited institution
2 years’ experience in vocational assessment, job preparation, or individualized job placement and/or job coaching with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness
Valid driver’s license required
No more than one moving violation within the past 12 months
Vehicle required

Responsibilities

Participates as a team member in the frequent, on-going monitoring and assessment of the mental health status of persons served as well as related variables, including significant others, the home and the community in which the person lives
Within the team, in the development of a vocational assessment, comprehensive assessment, and an individualized recovery plan, often focusing on education and employment needs of the individual
In clinical and non-clinical team meetings, including individual and team supervision. Actively seeks out monthly supervision from supervisor. Ensures documentation is done on time and with quality to ensure adherence to all DMHAS/Medicaid standards.
Teaching of skills to support each persons’ individualized recovery journey and community integration
Mental health education, community living skill training and supportive counseling in the home and other natural environments to person served and significant others, often focusing on education and employment needs
Assessment of job-related interests and abilities based on a complete education and work history
Assessment considering the effect of mental illness on an individual’s employment, identification of specific behaviors that interfere with work performance. Development of interventions to address these behaviors
Supportive counseling to assist in identifying and coping with symptoms that may interfere with work performance
The evidenced-base practice of Supportive Employment to include all components of the model
Crisis intervention services (including on-the-job) for persons served with acute psychiatric needs whose circumstances and conditions require rapid intervention
Technical assistance and education to members of the team in the areas of education and employment.
Develops materials and strategies for career interventions in conjunction with the team
Job development in the community to identify opportunities for both paid and volunteer employment
On-site and off-site job coaching services
Assessment of service recipients stated concerns, mental illness symptoms, and behavior in response to medication and monitors for medication side-effects during the provision of observed self-administration and during ongoing face-to-face contacts
Medication education for both individuals and family/significant others with service recipient consent.
Coordination of services with other community mental health and non-mental health providers, as well as other medical professionals
Direct assistance to secure safe, clean, affordable housing, food and clothing, medical and dental services, and appropriate financial support.
Linkage to entitlement benefits such as Medicaid/NJFamilyCare, unemployment, social security, rental assistance , and other public assistance (social services, transportation, legal advocacy and representation)
Development of WRAP and Psychiatric Advance Directives which includes stage wise treatment utilizing
Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions and Teaching Strategies
Utilizes evidenced based practices, including motivational interviewing, IDDT, CBT skills, IMR, Trauma Informed Care, Permanent Supportive Housing and Career Development when engaging individuals with their recovery
24 hour on-call coverage on a rotating schedule with the ability to respond immediately to individuals by phone or in person
Rapid and flexible response to crisis, including but not limited to: accompanying the person to the local screening center or psychiatric emergency service and remaining with the person during the assessment process
Assessment of individuals’ daily living skills, and teach individuals needed skills in the area of budgeting, cooking, laundry, cleaning, shopping, personal hygiene, community transportation, self-advocacy and ways to maintain housing. Specific focus on work-related support (grooming, hygiene, clothing, wake-up calls, transportation)
Support to the service recipient’s family and other members of his/her social network to help them manage the symptoms and related consequences of the service recipient’s illness, reduce the level of family and social stress associated with the illness, and achieve wellness. Will provide education to assist the service recipient and family to relate in a positive and supportive manner